MSC Makes Record : First Container Line to Reach 900 Vessels

In a landmark moment for the global shipping industry, Swiss-based MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has officially become the first-ever container line to operate a fleet of 900 vessels, as reported by industry analyst Alphaliner.

This historic milestone was reached with the delivery of the LNG-powered MSC GERMANY, a 16,000 TEU “maxi-neo-panamax” containership that marks a new chapter in the evolution of green shipping and large-scale logistics.

The MSC GERMANY is the fifth vessel in a twelve-ship series ordered from a prominent Chinese shipyard in October 2022. These next-generation vessels highlight MSC’s commitment to environmental sustainability, incorporating liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion technology to reduce emissions and meet future decarbonization targets.

As of now, MSC’s fleet includes:

• 609 owned vessels

• 291 chartered ships

• Total capacity: approximately 6.47 million TEUs

That’s nearly 1 million TEUs more than Maersk, its closest competitor.

And MSC isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With 132 new vessels on order, the company is well on its way to surpassing the 1,000-ship milestone, reinforcing its dominance in global trade lanes.

This rapid growth also reflects MSC’s strategic use of long-term charters and internally managed assets, allowing the company to maintain operational control while scaling efficiently.

Why This Matters

MSC’s achievement is more than just a numbers game. It signals the company’s unmatched global reach, ongoing investment in sustainable shipping, and commitment to meeting the growing demands of international commerce.

As e-commerce, manufacturing and global supply chains expand, MSC is positioning itself at the forefront of a more connected and cleaner maritime future.